Dull flints suck big time!!!

[RobD]

An old "common" (double edged) gun flint with many dozens of good firings finally lost its edge,  After 3 failures I flipped it over to its second edge, which was also a tad worn.  After 2 failures I had enuf and swapped it out for a new flint that wouldn't spark on its first flight and required a bit of knapping.  When I brushed the ultra tiny knapped flint shards off the bench I got a nice 1/4" cut on the pinky.  Flint can be surgically sharp, beware!  After that, she fired every time.  Life is still good. 

[Hawken]

Glad you posted that Rob! This place has been deader than Uncle George for a while now! Some of my gear I've been working on....rifles are both OK but just doing some other things with related gear and I haven't been shooting because it's just been too blasted hot/humid!    Cooler weather can't get here fast enough!

[Uncle Russ]

Glad you posted that Rob! This place has been deader than Uncle George for a while now! Some of my gear I've been working on....rifles are both OK but just doing some other things with related gear and I haven't been shooting because it's just been too blasted hot/humid!    Cooler weather can't get here fast enough!

I'll second both of those notions!

Uncle Russ....

[Ohio Joe]

Yes sir, it happens.

I once had a flint with over 80 shots off it,,, went to the Range and got 20+ more shots off it,,, thought to myself that I'd never have to change that flint out for a long time!    Then it happened on my following trip to the Range with that same rifle off that same flint,, she gave up and wouldn't give no more... She was a good flint while she lasted... It happens. 

[Winter Hawk]

I carry a diamond knife sharpener in my kit to sharpen the cut flints.  It works!

~WH~

[RonC]

I, too, have had the frustration of using a dull flint. I do carry several replacements in a flint wallet.
I tried and tried to get some sparks from a flint duller than a politician, but the rifle wouldn't fire. Replaced the flint and I had fast working flintlock.
Ron

[Uncle Russ]

.......(snip)............I tried and tried to get some sparks from a flint duller than a politician, but the rifle wouldn't fire. Replaced the flint and I had fast working flintlock.
Ron

Perhaps we should all remember this most excellent advise, come voting time.
 

Kidding aside, of course you're right Ron, dull flints do make Jack a dull boy, dull flints can also be a  really nerve racking psychological thing too, especially when we have no way to freshen them, or a new replacement in the wallet.
In fact, for me, when any gun does not fire when you want it to, and expect it to, this alone can ruin your entire shooting game....for hours, even days.
But that's just me, perhaps this is not true with everyone, on the other hand, I betcha if the truth be known, it affects more folks than those that are ready and willing to admit that it does......lol

Uncle Russ...

[Hank in WV]

Can't think of a faster way to develop a flinch.

[Hawken]

Can't think of a faster way to develop a flinch.

And there's really no reason for a 'flinch'!

All the BAD STUFF comes out the front end!!

[Ohio Joe]

A good sharp flint is just as important as using good caps.  I've shot both cap and flint for a long time and will admit that it takes a shot or two when switching from cap to flint just to "re" familiarize one's self (well me anyway) with the switch over. This is where that warm up target comes in handy,,, however, I have found if I just switch from a caplock to a flintlock and stay with the flintlock then I don't need that warm up target as the mind set is already established that I'm shooting one of my flintlock muzzleloaders.

I think in today's world we have a tendency to think the old timers of yesteryear didn't experience the dreaded "flinch" when going from cap to flint,,, but I expect they did. Shooting a traditional muzzle loader today (both types of ignition) is no different then shooting one 150 years ago. In fact we probably have the edge in today's world as our shooting is not dependent on, life or death, or if we eat that night or not. If anything, the old timers of yesteryear was probably more uncertain of the "percussion cap" over the reliability of the, Flint... 

[Eric Krewson]

I made this flaker to sharpen my flints, it takes very small chips off, is much more precise than a flint hammer and makes a really sharp flint.

[Winter Hawk]

I think in today's world we have a tendency to think the old timers of yesteryear didn't experience the dreaded "flinch" when going from cap to flint

Well Joe, back 150 years ago I expect most folks had one gun, period.  We live in an incredibly affluent society where we can afford to have more than firearm and get these problems of switching from one to another.  Back in the day you made do with what you had and, while a small minority might have been wealthy enough to have several guns, the vast majority didn't have to decide whether to use the flintlock or the caplock today! 

~Kees~

[Maven]

I have one of those pressure flakers too and have to agree with Eric:  They are more precise than a snapping hammer and do leave a very sharp edge!

Question for Eric:  What kind of copper is used for the tip and where do you get it?

[Hanshi]

I've had flints that went 100+ and at least one that only gave about 4 shots.  I've had them break, self knapp and perform with honors.  It's not unusual to have them "need a knapp" after 30 (+ or -) shots.  And it's not unusual to get that many shots or more after knapping.  And these suckers can be SHARP!  I've bled a lot from flint cuts over the years.

Unlike some, I've never got great results from "pressure flaking".  I did take a small piece of copper and mounted on a screwdriver blade that I flat ground.  I generally knapp with the flint installed and get good results.  I've still got good many white, black English and amber French flints.  I'll put in a new flint at the start of hunting season.  The old flint goes back in for the rest of the year.  I'll use it until there's not enough left for the cock jaws to hold on to.

[Eric Krewson]

I found the copper on the ground when I was walking if I remember right. I am pretty sure it is from a telephone pole ground strap, what I found was about 6" long.